The conversations resume

For the past three years, the conversations following each Carifta season, both for Track and Field and Aquatics (Swimming), have been repetitive as well as comparative.

The tongues wagged, the criticisms intensified and even took a turn of personal attacks on individuals.

Of course, those at the helm of the political hierarchy have not been spared the venom.

This, as track and field has not medalled since 2023, whilst swimming does so with certainty, fuelling the debate.

First up, when one sporting discipline does well, we all celebrate. Equally, when our representative teams do not come up to par, we ought to cut through the reasons for such failures.

Hence, the inability of Vincentian track and field athletes to medal for the last three Carifta Games, is not a simple occurrence.

Focus will always shine on track and field, as it is undoubtedly second on the popularity list among sporting disciplines here in St Vincent and the Grenadines. Only Football has greater mass participation and following.

But, as we dissect the performances of our athletes at the 2026 Carifta Games in Grenada, and the Carifta Aquatic Championships in Martinique, there are more positives to be extracted.

Whilst no medals were achieved in Grenada, there were sparks that, with the right guidance and input, will evoke joy and smiles in the next few years.

The entry of 12-year-old Jada Davis into the realms of national representation, breathed an air of expectancy as she ignites hope of making the nexus from promise and potential to a top female distance runner.

As it is, St Vincent and the Grenadines is yearning for a replication of the likes of Theodore Corea, Agatha Soleyn, Bigna Samuel, Adelaide Carrington, Lisa Daniel and most recently, Linda Mc Dowall.

Therefore, the spark and confidence emanating from the feet of Davis serves as a glimpse into the future of what can be.

Similarly, the energy and determination of Jeremiah Wright also brings anticipation of the possibilities of him emerging as a prospect in the middle distances.

So are the other Under-17 athletes, who form the bases for the building blocks of St Vincent and the Grenadines’ track and field assets and human capital investment.

Likewise, the Under-20 representatives should be the next in line, granted they remain in the sport longer that many of their predecessors who have graced the Carifta stage in the past.

In swimming we must laud the efforts of one of the most promising swimmers in the region- Kione De Shong, as he has reeled off six medals in three years.

De Shong got a bronze in 2024, gold, silver and bronze last year, and this year got silver and bronze, even though he had moved up to the 13-14 age group.

Not slighting others, as Caghry Williams is proving a good tag team for De Shong, with plausible outings also coming from Hazen Da Briel and Matthew Ballah.

But the joy on one side and the concerns consequent to the Vincentians’ showing at both outings are indicators as to where we are.

Therefore, concerted energies for swimming to continue its consistent medalling path are necessary.

Conversely, track and field has to build on new and emerging talents, re-look its programmes, as well as strategically identify and nurture those who show potential. Coaches, parents, schools, communities and the national directorate all have to throw in their two cents contributions to realise the true prospectives of our treasured athletes, not only in track and field and swimming, but in all other sporting disciplines. From the top level of the political hierarchy, financial and personnel resources must be expended within the Ministry of Youth and Sports, as such will help solve many of the iniquitous social sub-cultures that are brewing in the country.

Looking around in the Caribbean media post- 2026 Carifta Games, there were welcoming ceremonies for most countries that medalled, but St Vincent and the Grenadines had none.

This, as the winning culture of our people pervades deeply, as one’s losing best is never considered or appreciated. Sadly, this is the nature of sports here in the country, and unless we effectively tackle the root causes of some of our poor returns at regional competitions, this discourse will forever be topical and relevant.